East Coast is Learning About California’s Water Shortage

California has been dealing with drought issues for a while now and it has been a big wake-up call for everyone as flooding, drought, and climate change force them to reassess their natural water reserves and reconsider water as a scarce commodity.

But it seems like residents in the Western states won’t be tackling the drought issue on their own for long. With a record of low rainfalls this summer, the East Coast is learning about water shortage, a crisis California has known for decades.

As compared to Coronado or San Diego, both of which states have lived through decades with short water resources, the East Coast is ill equipped to conserve water. Hence, it’s the perfect time for the region to look at California’s water restriction initiatives and begin following the state’s lead.

Encourage the Use of Fresh Grass-Lawn Alternatives

While an individual may not be directly causing the issues of water shortage, it’s important to note that everyone plays a part in how much water there is in one’s country. At present, the entirety of the American humanity utilizes millions of gallons of water per day for things such as washing clothes, preparing food, flushing toilets, and even watering lawns.

In an attempt to minimize their water usage, many people in California have relied upon fresh grass alternatives to replace their lawns. Using artificial grass or no mow plant species like Dymondia or fescues, instead of a water-hungry turf calls for less maintenance and even less water consumption.

Install Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies

At the agriculture level, the East Coast can install irrigation technologies that could yield more crops while also saving the region’s natural reserve. In many Western cities, water-saving innovations have already taken the place of conventional irrigation.

Currently, drought-stricken California is looking at groundwater banking to remedy the state’s severe water shortage. Similarly, cities of the East Coast should consider this solution, which involves establishing incentives for farmers, municipalities, homeowners, and other water users to filter water down into smaller aquifers, the sponge-like underground reservoirs that provide us freshwater.

Typically, aquifers are refilled as stream flow and rainfall percolate into unpaved grounds. However, during drought, aquifers drain faster than they can recharge, so managing and conserving these groundwater supplies become an urgent challenge.

Water scarcity is a worldwide problem. While there is still some left, make sure to do your part in water preservation. Keep in mind: Ready access to natural water reserves is not something that everyone can take for granted. As we try to protect our shrinking water supply, cooperation and collaboration will be critically necessary.

What are your thought on these looming water and drought crises? Share your insights in the comment section below.